CHICAGO – March 28, 2017 – Randy Smith, President and CEO of LightSpeed Automation, was recently announced as NAMA’s Industry Person of the Year as part of the association’s 2017 Industry Awards. Smith will be presented with his award on April 19 at the 2017 NAMA OneShow in Las Vegas.

The NAMA Industry Person of the Year Award recognizes an individual who has consistently exemplified the highest standards of professional excellence throughout his or her career in the convenience services industry, has been active in leadership roles, and has been an inspiration to others.

Since 2008, Randy has served as President and CEO of LightSpeed Automation, delivering dynamic solutions to operators with revolutionary pre-kitting technology. An attempt to solve internal efficiency issues in his vending business in 2006, led to the founding of LightSpeed two years later. Randy joined forces with software developer and LightSpeed co-founder and Chief Technology Officer Jason Leach to create a cutting edge solution to improve his business. Interest from operators around the country poured in, and LightSpeed was born in 2008. Today, the company’s suite of products has expanded to include pre-kitting, inventory management and digital tools, and has more than 400 systems in operation globally. A 20-year industry veteran, Randy was President of Georgia Vending Services from 1996-2008, prior to co-founding LightSpeed.

Dedicated to serving the industry on a broader scale, Randy is a member of NAMA’s Board of Directors and of the NAMA Foundation’s Board of Trustees. An innovator working to advance the industry, Randy is heavily involved in industry education, serving as the Chair of NAMA’s Education Committee, on the Executive Forum Task Force and speaking regularly on innovation and operational efficiency. An industry advocate, Randy has held state council leadership roles and is a regular Fly-In and Public Policy Conference participant, meeting with legislators to build awareness on convenience services.

Randy’s accolades include a 2010 NAMA Innovation Award, the Alan Plaisted Chairman’s Award and recognition as a 2014 NAMA Allied Member of the Year. Giving back is a core part of his company’s mission and through the LightSpeed Foundation, Randy oversees support to special needs communities, orphanages, and micro business startups around the world. He lives in Atlanta, GA with his wife Cindy, and has two daughters, Mattie and Camy, and a son, Cole.

About the Awards
The NAMA Industry Awards are presented to individuals that best exemplify support of the convenience services industry through a history of service and leadership throughout the industry and in their own communities.

About NAMA OneShow
The NAMA OneShow draws more than 4,500 professionals and nearly 300 exhibitors from the convenience services industry. It is the meeting place for vending, coffee services, micro market and food service professionals to focus on advancing industry innovation, build relationships and grow their businesses.

Learn more and register at namaoneshow.org.